TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program

Serving those who served

Thanks to funding from the NYC Council and Chaim Deutsch, Chair of the Committee on Veterans, with support in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the NYC Council, with special thanks to Speaker Corey Johnson, TDF has been provided with a $135,000 grant to help New York City veterans attend Broadway shows, and share the experience with others from their community. This is a 35% increase in funding that the program received last year when it was granted $100,000.

TDF partners exclusively with veteran group organizations in the city who distribute a limited number of tickets to Broadway shows at no cost to their constituents. Post-performance talkbacks are planned, when possible, and complimentary TDF Memberships are provided to participating veterans so they can continue their theatre going at greatly reduced costs.

For this third season, TDF is partnering with the following veteran’s groups and organizations with more to follow:

“I am deeply proud to have worked with Veterans Committee Chair Chaim Deutsch and our Council colleagues to continue our support for the TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program, said NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “Our cultural institutions, including the bright lights of Broadway, are one of the best parts of our great city and it is important to ensure all New Yorkers can enjoy them, especially veterans. Veterans have served our country and I thank TDF for continuing to serve our veterans.”

“As Chairman of the NYC Council’s Veteran’s Committee, funding for programs that provide cultural experiences for our City’s veterans is a priority,” said Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Chair of the Committee on Veterans. “TDF does phenomenal work bringing veteran New Yorkers to see the best Broadway can offer. After the shows, veteran groups provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss their common experiences with fellow veterans. I look forward to continuing to work with TDF as they offer programs for veterans across our City.”

“TDF is grateful for the increased funding which allows us to send even more New York City veterans to Broadway,” said Victoria Bailey, TDF’s Executive Director. “We believe that attending live theatre is a transformative experience, and it’s exciting to see the response from this wonderful community who have served this country so selflessly.”

“The theatre industry’s support is amazing! We thank all the productions that have rallied to this cause on behalf of the many veterans in our city who will benefit.” Lisa Carling, Director of TDF Accessibility Programs.

“I hadn’t been to a Broadway show in years and the opportunity to go with my fellow Vets was an experience I’ll never forget,” said US Navy Veteran, Robert Wadiak (who first attended with a group of veterans from Samaritan Daytop Village). “These shared experiences help me feel like I’m part of a community again. I’m grateful for the care and concern shown to me by TDF’s Accessibility staff who treated us like long lost family. I look forward to attending future shows through TDF.”

Funding for this program is provided by the New York City Council with special thanks to Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Chair of the Committee on Veterans.

Broadway shows that TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program participants have attended include: Aladdin, The Band's Visit, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A Bronx Tale, The Book of Mormon, The Cher Show, Chicago, Come From Away, Frozen, Head Over Heels, Kinky Boots, Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Prom, School of Rock, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Waitress and Wicked.